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Europe is "failing" to deal with chronic digestive disease burden

(Brussels, May 15, 2018) Europe is currently failing to manage the increasing burden inflicted by chronic digestive diseases, according to leading digestive health experts.

A report, published today during the launch of MEP Digestive Health Group, reveals alarming issues, challenges and inequalities in a range of chronic digestive-related diseases, including digestive cancers, alcohol-related digestive diseases, paediatric digestive diseases and functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Upon reviewing the latest statistics from across the continent and canvassing the opinions of both policymakers and scientific experts, the report reveals:

59% of men and 45% of women in the EU aged 18 and above are overweight

Digestive cancers represent 28% of all cancer-related deaths in the EU (365,000 deaths)

One in four deaths from gastrointestinal diseases are directly attributed to alcohol

Inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis can commonly take up to five years

The five most common digestive cancers – colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, liver and oesophageal cancer – are responsible for over 590,000 cases each year in the EU. If current population trends continue, the number of deaths from these cancers across the EU per year will increase by over 40% by 2035. Approximately half of all cancers are preventable and their significant burden could be reduced by addressing lifestyle factors, such as rising levels of obesity and heavy alcohol consumption. Obesity, for example, is quickly overtaking tobacco as a health risk and is the leading preventable cause of cancer and substantially threatens the sustainability of public healthcare systems.
In addition to the threat posed from digestive cancers and obesity, experts are also warning of the socioeconomic burden inflicted by functional GI disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation. Functional GI disorders are common conditions that can be extremely disabling for patients, yet sufferers often do not consult their physician about their symptoms. They are associated with educational and occupational absenteeism, imposing high costs to society, and are expensive to treat and manage. Treating IBS in Germany alone, for example, is estimated to cost over €3.2 billion per year.
Professor Markus Peck, of United European Gastroenterology, which represents over 22,000 digestive health specialists, comments, “The impact inflicted by digestive diseases continues to increase across Europe. With chronic digestive diseases, our society fails and the burden is only going to become greater. We’re seeing notable increases in the incidence of most gastrointestinal disorders, from digestive cancers to liver disease. The current outlook for young people’s health, for example, is extremely alarming, with childhood obesity rates expected to almost double by 2025.”
Current predictions, trends and attitudes demonstrate that the challenge presented by obesity, heavy alcohol consumption and poor nutritional choices is increasing and urgent action is required to reduce this burden and improve health outcomes in generations to come.
To address this difficult challenge, policymakers and digestive health experts will meet today in the European Parliament to inaugurate the MEP Digestive Health Group. The group’s overarching mission is to ensure that continually improving digestive health becomes and remains an integral part of the EU health agenda, serving as a platform of exchange between the scientific community and policymakers.
“Rising obesity levels, functional GI-disorders and heavy alcohol consumption across Europe have major implications for future healthcare provision and it is essential that these largely preventable issues are tackled through health policy and action” adds Professor Peck. “United European Gastroenterology welcome the MEP Digestive Health Group and look forward to close collaboration in achieving the mission of tackling the burden of chronic digestive diseases across Europe.”
References:

Digestive Health Across Europe: Issues, Challenges and Inequalities (2018). United European Gastroenterology and the MEP Digestive Health Group.

Access the Digestive Health Across Europe Report
Notes to Editors
For further information, or to arrange an expert interview, please contact Luke Paskins on +44 (0)1444 811099 or media@ueg.eu
About Professor Markus Peck
Professor Markus Peck is Chair of the UEG Public Affairs Committee and former Secretary General of EASL (European Association of the Study of the Liver).
About UEG
UEG, or United European Gastroenterology, is a professional non-profit organisation combining all the leading European societies concerned with digestive diseases. Together, its member societies represent over 25,000 specialists, working across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy. This makes UEG the most comprehensive organisation of its kind in the world, and a unique platform for collaboration and the exchange of knowledge.
To advance standards of gastroenterological care and knowledge across Europe and the world, UEG offers numerous activities and initiatives, including:

UEG Week, the biggest congress of its kind in Europe, and one of the two largest in the world.

Quality of Care, European-based and English clinical practice guidelines, clinical standards, consensus, position papers and standard protocols in the field of digestive health, are available in the repository.

Find out more about UEG’s work by visiting www.ueg.eu or contact:
Luke Paskins on +44 (0)1444 811099 or media@ueg.eu

(Vienna, 4 July, 2017) Citizens across the EU are consuming an average of 2 alcoholic drinks per day, placing drinkers at a 21% increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, in addition to other digestive cancers, a report finds.

The report, launched today by United European Gastroenterology, revealed that the average daily intake of alcoholic drinks was ‘moderate’ (between 1 and 4 drinks per day) in all 28 EU states, placing these citizens at a heightened risk of both colorectal and oesophageal cancer.
‘Heavy’ drinkers (people that consume 4 or more drinks per day) were found to be at an increased risk of pancreatic, liver and gastric cancer. These three cancers, coupled with colorectal and oesophageal cancer, are the five most common digestive cancers worldwide, causing almost three million deaths per year and contributing to over a third of global cancer deaths. No countries within the EU were found to have ‘light’ alcohol consumption (on average, 1 alcoholic drink or less per day per capita).
The European Alcohol Endemic
Alcohol consumption across the European region is higher than in any other region in the world, with over one fifth of the European population over the age of 15 drinking heavily at least once a week. As a result, the continent suffers from the highest proportion of ill health and premature death directly linked to alcohol.
Despite high levels of consumption throughout Europe, research shows that as many as 90% of people are unaware on the link between alcohol and cancer.
In light of these alarming statistics, tackling the harmful use of alcohol is a main priority for the upcoming Estonian presidency of the Council of the European Union.

"Political action like minimum pricing and reducing access to alcohol needs to be taken now to prevent many future casualties. Research then has to follow to help generate data and allow us to fine-tune future political activity" - Professor Markus Peck.

How to Tackle Europe’s Alcohol Crisis
Consumers are provided with mixed-messages on recommended units, glasses and volumes of alcohol. UEG are therefore calling for a pan-European approach to the provision of clear and consistent information about the health risks of drinking alcohol to help eradicate confusion on appropriate levels of consumption.
Professor Markus Peck, leading digestive health expert, comments; “One of the main challenges in addressing high drinking levels is how deeply embedded alcohol consumption is within the European society, both socially and culturally. Political action like minimum pricing and reducing access to alcohol needs to be taken now to prevent many future casualties. Research then has to follow to help generate data and allow us to fine-tune future political activity”.
Increased pressure on the alcohol industry to develop clear and responsible labelling, together with a tightening of regulations on the marketing of alcohol, are other important steps outlined within the report to help tackle the crisis. France is a country leading the way in this regard, where stricter marketing, coupled with regulations for drinking at work, has contributed to a decline in alcohol consumption and digestive cancer incidence as a result.
Read the report: 'Alcohol & Digestive Cancers Across Europe'
View the animation: 'Alcohol & Digestive Cancers: Time for Change'
Notes to EditorsAbout the Report
‘Alcohol and Digestive Cancers Across Europe: Time for Change’ is a report produced by UEG with support from the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), the Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL), the European Liver Patients Association (ELPA), Pancreatic Cancer Europe (PCE), EuropaColon and Eurocare (The Alcohol Policy Alliance). Canvassing the opinions of leading European digestive cancer specialists, stakeholder organisations and patient groups, the report highlights the scale of alcohol consumption across Europe, its direct and indirect impact on digestive cancers and the alarming lack of awareness of the link between alcohol and digestive cancers among members of the public and many healthcare professionals.
Media Enquiries
For further information and to schedule an interview with Professor Markus Peck, please email media@ueg.eu or phone Luke Paskins on +44 (0)1444 811099
About Professor Markus Peck
Professor Markus Peck is a member of the UEG Public Affairs Committee and former Secretary General of EASL (European Association of the Study of the Liver).
Alcohol and Digestive Cancers: Animation and InfographicView 'Alcohol & Digestive Cancers: Time for Change'
View and download an infographic on alcohol and digestive cancers across Europe
About UEG
UEG, or United European Gastroenterology, is a professional non-profit organisation combining all the leading European societies concerned with digestive diseases. Together, its member societies represent over 22,000 specialists, working across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy. This makes UEG the most comprehensive organisation of its kind in the world, and a unique platform for collaboration and the exchange of knowledge. Find out more by visiting www.ueg.eu
To advance standards of gastroenterological care and knowledge across Europe and the world, UEG offers numerous activities and initiatives, including:

UEG Week, the biggest congress of its kind in Europe, and one of the two largest in the world

Republic of Estonia Ministry of Social Affairs, Estonian presidency of the Council of the European Union: priorities and main topics in health. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/health/files/nutrition_physical_activity/docs/ev_20170308_co_07_en.pdf

Alcohol consumption out of control, medical experts warn

(Vienna, 9 December, 2015) With alcohol consumption expected to rise by up to 40% throughout the festive season, experts warn that the affects of drinking to excess are now spiralling out of control, especially amongst the young, and urgent action is required to change our approach to alcohol.

“Due to the size of the problem and its universal impact, excessive alcohol consumption requires a focused approach and commitment for action at European and national levels” says United European Gastroenterology (UEG) spokesperson, Professor Matthias Löhr. “We need to change the public’s attitude towards drinking and as healthcare professionals we need to educate our patients about the dangers of drinking too much alcohol and intervene early when we suspect an individual is drinking too much. If we don’t address this problem now then we are in real danger of facing an alcohol related healthcare crisis throughout most of Europe”.
Alcohol is the world’s number one risk factor for ill-health and premature death among the 25-59 year age group. It is also a risk factor in over 60 types of diseases and contributes to 5.9% of all deaths worldwide and nearly 30% of deaths from gastro-intestinal diseases.
Europe is by far the biggest drinking region in the world, according to the UEG Survey of Digestive Health Across Europe, with hospital admissions for alcoholic liver disease (a key precursor to liver cancer) increasing by more than 120% since 1995 in England, Scotland, Wales and Finland. These countries also have the highest incidence of alcohol related liver disease in east and north eastern European countries.
Professor Löhr and members of United European Gastroenterology propose the following festive tips on how to drink safely and reduce the risk of developing serious health conditions, such as liver disease and cancer:

Enjoy the festive season but don’t be tempted to binge drink. Researchers define binge drinking as consuming eight or more units in a single session for men and six or more for women

Consider avoiding alcohol for a sustained period of time (e.g. a month) following the festive season

Men: Drink no more than 3-4 alcoholic drinks on any day (equivalent to 852ml of beer/250ml of wine) and a maximum of 21 drinks in any week

Women: Drink no more than 2-3 alcoholic drinks on any day (equivalent to 568ml beer/175ml of wine) and a maximum of 14 drinks in any week

Have at least 2 alcohol-free days a week to allow the liver time to repair itself

Be symptom smart and seek medical advice if you experience pain in the lower right hand side of your ribs, general nausea and lack of energy

Notes to EditorsAbout UEG
UEG, or United European Gastroenterology, is a professional non-profit organisation combining all the leading European societies concerned with digestive diseases. Together, its member societies represent over 22,000 specialists, working across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy. This makes UEG the most comprehensive organisation of its kind in the world, and a unique platform for collaboration and the exchange of knowledge. Find out more by visiting www.ueg.eu
To advance standards of gastroenterological care and knowledge across Europe and the world, UEG offers numerous activities and initiatives, including:
· UEG Week, the biggest congress of its kind in Europe, and one of the two largest in the world.
· UEG Education, the universal source of knowledge in gastroenterology, providing online and classroom courses, a huge online library and delivering the latest GI news, fostering debate and discussion
· Training Support, funding for innovative training and educational programmes, as well as international scientific and professional co-operations
· UEG Journal, published bi-monthly, covering translational and clinical studies from all areas of gastroenterology
· EU Affairs, promoting research, prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases, and helping develop an effective health policy for Europe
About Professor Matthias Löhr
Matthias Löhr is the Professor of Gastroenterology & Hepatology at Karolinska Institutet and a senior physician in the Department of Digestive Diseases at the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden and a member of UEG’s Public Affairs Committee. He has conducted a number of studies on the relationship between alcohol and gastrointestinal diseases.
To interview Professor Löhr, or for further information, please contact Luke Paskins at UEG on +44 (0)1444 811099 or media@ueg.eu
References:

Drug and alcohol treatment charity – Addaction (2012)

World Health Organisation Europe (2012). Alcohol in the European Union: Consumption, harm and policy approaches

Roberts SE, Samuel DG, Williams JG, et al. Survey of Digestive Health across Europe. Part one: The burden of gastrointestinal diseases and the organisation and delivery of gastroenterology services across Europe. Report for United European Gastroenterology. October 2014.

Reducing the risk of colorectal cancer by tackling alcohol misuse: a call for action across Europe

(Vienna, November 23, 2015) Healthcare professionals across Europe are being urged to help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) by taking positive action against alcohol misuse and dependence. High levels of alcohol dependence and low levels of treatment have recently been identified in a European primary care study, fuelling the argument that family doctors must play a key role in preventing alcohol-related harm and reducing the incidence of CRC.

“There is a very strong dose-dependent relationship between alcohol consumption and the risk of CRC,” said Professor Matthias Löhr from United European Gastroenterology (UEG). “Primary care teams should be properly supported to identify and treat individuals consuming hazardous levels of alcohol and be vigilant to the signs of CRC in heavy drinkers.”
Alcohol and bowel cancer
The link between alcohol consumption and CRC is now well established. It has been estimated that approximately one in 10 cases of CRC is associated with alcohol consumption, and the risk increases in a dose-dependent manner. A recent meta-analysis found the risk of CRC increased by 21% with moderate alcohol consumption (>1–4 drinks/day, equivalent to 12.6–49.9 g/day ethanol) and by >50% with heavy drinking (≥4 drinks per day, equivalent to ≥50 g/day ethanol). Even having one alcoholic drink a day (10 g/day ethanol) increases the CRC risk by 7%.
“As healthcare professionals, we need to educate our patients about the dangers of drinking too much alcohol, but we also need to intervene early when we suspect an individual is drinking too much and factor alcohol consumption into our CRC risk assessments.”
Alcohol dependence
Alcohol dependence is highly prevalent in the EU. In a recently-reported study involving six European countries, the 12-month prevalence of alcohol dependence in primary care was almost 9%. Treatment rates were low, with only 22% of those diagnosed having previously sought and received professional help. The European arm of the World Health Organization estimates that only one in 20 of those with hazardous or harmful alcohol use are identified and offered advice by a primary care provider and that less than one in 20 with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence have seen a specialist for treatment.
“Given that there is compelling evidence that that both pharmacological and psychological approaches can effectively reduce alcohol consumption, it is disappointing to see such low levels of professional intervention in these studies,” said Prof. Löhr.
“If we are going to have any impact on the incidence of CRC and other cancers in Europe, we have got to tackle the root of its causes.”
Notes to Editors
Professor Matthias Löhr is a senior physician in the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology at the Karolinska University in Sweden and a member of UEG’s Public Affairs Committee. He has conducted a number of studies on the relationship between alcohol and gastrointestinal diseases.
To interview Professor Löhr, or for further information, please contact Luke Paskins on +44 (0)1444 811099 or media@ueg.eu
About UEG
UEG, or United European Gastroenterology, is a professional non-profit organisation combining all the leading European societies concerned with digestive diseases. Together, its member societies represent over 22,000 specialists, working across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy. This makes UEG the most comprehensive organisation of its kind in the world, and a unique platform for collaboration and the exchange of knowledge.
To advance standards of gastroenterological care and knowledge across Europe and the world, UEG offers numerous activities and initiatives, including:

UEG Week, the biggest congress of its kind in Europe, and one of the two largest in the world.

World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe 2012. European action plan to reduce the harmful use of alcohol 2012–2020. Available at: http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/178163/E96726.pdf

Drinking the EU Economy Dry: Experts call for action on the crippling socio-economic costs of alcohol

(November 12, 2015) Europe is the heaviest drinking region of the world, with consumption levels in some countries approximately twice the global average. Alcohol is the world’s number one risk factor for ill-health and premature death among the 25-59 year age group, the core of the working age population.

Not only is alcohol a risk factor in over 60 types of diseases, with nearly 30% of deaths from gastro-intestinal diseases attributed to alcohol, but the burden of alcohol related harm also has a significant impact on EU productivity. In fact, €74 billion annual productivity losses are reported across the EU and as many as a quarter of staff in major companies are reported to have drinking problems.
The ripple effect of alcohol related harm reaches all levels of society as well as future generations. It is estimated that 11 million people in the EU are dependent on alcohol, resulting in 9 million children and young people consequently living with at least one parent addicted to alcohol. Children living with families affected by alcohol related harm also tend to have lower school attendance and worse health.
Gastroenterologists from United European Gastroenterology (UEG), in association with the European Alcohol Policy Alliance (Eurocare), The European Liver Patients Association (ELPA) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), are supporting the Awareness Week on Alcohol Related Harm (16-20 November 2015) and calling for the prompt renewal of a EU Alcohol Strategy to reduce the crippling health burden and socio-economic costs attributed to alcohol consumption.
According to Professor Thierry Ponchon, Chair of the UEG Public Affairs Committee; “Due to the size of the problem and its universal impact, alcohol requires a focused approach and commitment for action from policy and decision makers at the European and national levels, particularly if we are to meet Eurocare’s recommended target for a minimum 10% reduction of total alcohol consumption in Europe by 2025.”
UEG welcome Eurocare’s focus on the development and implementation of health promotion policies and campaigns including those within the workplace and protecting children, helping to encourage a healthier and more productive workforce now and for future generations.
For more information on the Awareness Week on Alcohol Related Harm, please see www.awarh.eu
Notes to EditorsAvailable for interview:
Professor Thierry Ponchon, Chair of the Public Affairs Committee at United European Gastroenterology; and specialist in hepatogastroenterology and Director of the gastroenterology unit at Edouard Herriot Hospital, Lyon.
About UEG
UEG, or United European Gastroenterology, is a professional non-profit organisation combining all the leading European societies concerned with digestive diseases. Together, its member societies represent over 22,000 specialists, working across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy. This makes UEG the most comprehensive organisation of its kind in the world, and a unique platform for collaboration and the exchange of knowledge.
To advance standards of gastroenterological care and knowledge across Europe and the world, UEG offers numerous activities and initiatives, including:

UEG Week, the biggest congress of its kind in Europe, and one of the two largest in the world

Drinking trends across Europe increasing bowel cancer risk

(October 02, 2015) It has been estimated that around one in 10 cases of bowel cancer can be linked to alcohol consumption and the risk increases the more alcohol you drink.

One international group of researchers has estimated that the bowel cancer risk increases by 21% if you have two or three alcoholic drinks a day (1.5 to 6 units of alcohol) and by more than 50% if you have four or more drinks a day (6 units or more). Even having one alcoholic drink a day (1 unit) increases the risk by 7%.
Many people understand that alcohol damages the liver, but the strong link between alcohol and bowel cancer is less well known. Now, experts are calling for a more concerted effort to conduct further research and raise awareness of the link between alcohol and bowel cancer in order to reduce the incidence of one of Europe’s most common cancers. “Alcohol is one of the most serious and avoidable risk factors for bowel cancer and we need to take urgent steps and use different approaches to raising awareness of this issue and to encouraging people to reduce their alcohol intake,” explains Professor Patrizia Burra, from United European Gastroenterology (UEG). “Of major concern is that younger people are now drinking more heavily and often in dangerous or hazardous ways and we expect this to have a significant impact on future bowel cancer incidence rates.”
The association between alcohol intake and bowel cancer appears to be stronger in men, with one fourth of bowel cancer cases in men attributable to an alcohol intake of more than 23 g/day. The link is also stronger amongst Asian populations and in those who combine drinking alcohol with either smoking, being over-weight or high red meat intake.
Alcohol consumption is a major public health concern and Europe has the highest levels of drinkers in the world. The EU currently has the highest alcohol consumption, on average consuming 12.51 litres of pure alcohol per person, more than double the worldwide average.
“We now have a European Code Against Cancer that highlights 12 ways that individuals can reduce their cancer risk,” says Prof. Burra. “This emphasizes that not drinking alcohol is better for cancer prevention which is a great start, but successful cancer prevention requires a combination of individual action and support for individuals to make the lifestyle changes needed to stay healthy. If we don’t change our approach to alcohol consumption now, we face serious health and economic repercussions for future generations. We must make people think twice about drinking any amount of alcohol but being realistic, the basic message has to be that less is better.”
Notes to EditorsAbout UEG
UEG, or United European Gastroenterology, is a professional non-profit organisation combining all the leading European societies concerned with digestive diseases. Together, its member societies represent over 22,000 specialists, working across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy. This makes UEG the most comprehensive organisation of its kind in the world, and a unique platform for collaboration and the exchange of knowledge.
To advance standards of gastroenterological care and knowledge across Europe and the world, UEG offers numerous activities and initiatives, including:

UEG Week, the biggest congress of its kind in Europe, and one of the two largest in the world. MEDIA REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

4. Roberts SE, Samuel DG, Williams JG, et al. Survey of Digestive Health across Europe. Part one: The burden of gastrointestinal diseases and the organisation and delivery of gastroenterology services across Europe. Report for United European Gastroenterology. October 2014.

(November, 24, 2014) United European Gastroenterology (UEG) is supporting the second annual Awareness Week on Alcohol Related Harm (AWARH) and calls for greater awareness of the relationship between alcohol and liver cancer. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver cancer, estimated to be responsible for 746,000 worldwide deaths each year, making it the second most common cause of cancer death.

Europe is by far the biggest drinking region in the world. According to a new pan-European Survey of Digestive Health commissioned by UEG, hospital admissions for alcoholic liver disease which is a key precursor to liver cancer have increased by more than 120% since 1995 in England, Scotland, Wales and Finland. These countries also have the highest incidence of alcohol related liver disease in east and north eastern European countries.
Alcohol also has a significant socio-economic impact, costing more than €155 billion annually and posing a real threat to the European healthcare system. As a result, UEG considers alcohol and its relationship with GI diseases an urgent research priority.UEG spokesperson and European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) member, Professor Patrizia Burra explains, “There is a need to develop specific therapies for the treatment of patients with alcoholic liver disease, especially as it is the second leading risk factor for disease burden in Europe.
“Excessive alcohol consumption amongst young people is also a growing concern and cost-effective prevention programmes must be implemented and novel treatments developed to enable us to tackle liver disease and reduce deaths from liver cancer across Europe,” adds Prof. Burra.
Follow UEG’s tips on how to drink safely and reduce the risk of developing liver disease and cancer:

Have 2-3 alcohol-free days a week to allow the liver time to repair itself.

Men: Drink no more than 3-4 alcoholic drinks on any day (equivalent to 852ml of beer/250ml of wine) and a maximum of 21 drinks in any week.

Women: Drink no more than 2-3 alcoholic drinks on any day (equivalent to 568ml beer/175ml of wine) and a maximum of 14 drinks in any week.

Be symptom smart and seek medical advice if you experience pain in the lower right hand side of your ribs, general nausea and lack of energy.

Protect yourself from blood-borne viruses Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections which can lead to liver cancer.

Notes to Editors
About AWARH
The European Awareness Week on Alcohol Related Harm (AWARH) was initiated in 2013 to call for the renewal of the EU Alcohol Strategy. During AWARH’13, healthcare stakeholders presented the Roundtable Conclusions on Reducing Alcohol Related Harm and MEPs opened discussions on working collaboratively on the need to renew the EU Alcohol Strategy.
The week will end with the 6th European Alcohol Policy Conference in Brussels (27th and 28th November). Throughout the Conference, UEG will be present with a booth to make known the harmful impact of alcohol intake on the gastrointestinal system.
Further information about AWARH and the different activities which will take place during the week can be found at www.awarh.eu #AWARH14
About UEG
UEG, or United European Gastroenterology, is a professional non-profit organisation combining all the leading European societies concerned with digestive diseases. Together, its member societies represent over 22,000 specialists, working across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy. This makes UEG the most comprehensive organisation of its kind in the world, and a unique platform for collaboration and the exchange of knowledge.
Find out more about UEG’s work. Visit www.ueg.eu
Available for interviewProfessor Patrizia Burra, Head Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Gastroenterology Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padova University Hospital and member of The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL).
Press contact
Samantha Forster
media@ueg.eu
Tel: +44(0)1444 811099
@UEGMedia
References:
1. The International Agency for Research on Cancer. GLOBOCAN 2012: estimated cancer incidence, mortality and prevalence worldwide in 2012. Lyon, France: IARC; 2013 Dec Available from: http://globocan.iarc.fr/2. United European Gastroenterology, 2014, Survey of Digestive Health across Europe http://ueg.sagepub.com/site/White_Book/White_Book.xhtml3. WHO-Europe, 2012, Alcohol in the European Union – consumption, harm and policy approaches, http://ec.europa.eu/health/alcohol/docs/who_alcoholintheeu_2012_en.pdf4. https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/